Make sure you listen and share your comments about what his says about hip-hop and artists in the mainstream. I think he’s right. Let me know how you feel about it.

6. Roy Ayers

OG. 70 years old, and still fresh with a positive message about hip-hop and sampling.

7. Quincy Jones Live at the MAWAZINE 2011

Again, classic masters are what we are dealing with in this part of the 10 Must Listen Summer Jams, and Quincy Jones and the Naturally 7 show you what world music is really about, steeped in jazz, latin funk and soul.

8. Mahalia Jackson

Take yourself to church for a minute and get filled with the good spirit.

9. Gladys Knight and The Pips

Classic soul. Period

10. Jay-Z and Kanye West

I wasn’t going to do it because I’m sure they’ll probably be more lyrically that I won’t like more than I will on this 10th pick, but I can’t front, the way the lead up has been on this record, the promo and exclusive listening sessions, the 20 second trailer, and the amount of bad remixes to “Otis”—Watch The Throne has turned into a moment for hip-hop, specifically popular rap.

Enjoy your summer.

Jahi, a hip-hop artist and educator, writes a bi-weekly column on the music industry, politics, technology and education for Hip-Hop.com. He is the CEO of Microphone Mechanics, and an avid reader, chess player, and birdwatcher.